Why does coeliac disease occur?
The exact reason why coeliac disease occurs is not fully understood. In some cases, it may not be possible to identify a cause at all. It is possible to develop an intolerance to gluten at any point in your life, for no apparent reason. However, several possible causes of coeliac disease have been identified and are outlined below. Family history: Coeliac disease can be inherited and often runs in families. If you have a close relative with the condition, such as a parent, sibling (brother or sister) or child, you have an increased risk of also developing it. This increased risk is approximately one in 10, compared with one in 100 for those who do not have a close relative with coeliac disease. Other conditions: You are more likely to develop coeliac disease if you have certain conditions, including type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) or an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism). As with coeliac disease, this may be because these conditions are also caused by an autoimmune reaction. Typ
